Phone holder for vehicle console

• US 5,996,866 A
• Filed: 09/29/1998
• Issued: 12/07/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America (Lear Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Nino, Robert, Susko, Thomas, Humphries, Jackie A., Jayroe, Brett
• Primary Examiner(s): Dayoan, D. Glenn
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHENEVERT, PAUL A
• Application Number:
  US09/163,145
• Time in Patent Office: 434 Days
• Field of Search: 224/281, 224/539, 224/549, 224/552, 224/553, 224/554, 224/570, 224/929, 296/37.1, 296/37.7, 296/37.8, 296/37.14
• US Class Current: 224/281
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0007 Mid-console
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0047 using hidden fastening means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 224/929 Article carrier for electrical device

Abstract

A vehicle console assembly includes a console body having an opening formed therein and a drawer movably positioned within the opening for movement between a closed position within the console body and an open position extending from the console body. The drawer includes a slot formed therein for receiving a portable phone. A power cord is connected to the drawer for providing power to the portable phone. The power cord is hidden from view within the console body. A release lever mechanism is provided for selectively securing and releasing the phone from the slot.

Claims

1. A vehicle console comprising:

a console body having an opening formed therein;

a drawer movably positioned within said opening for movement between a closed position within the console body and an open position extended from the console body, said drawer having a slot formed therein configured for receiving a portable phone;

a power cord connected to said drawer for providing power to the portable phone, said power cord being hidden from view within the console body;

a power outlet positioned within said console body and connected to the power cord;

an adjustable latch arm pivotally connected to the drawer for securing the portable phone within the slot;

wherein said adjustable latch arm is sufficiently frictionally engaged with the drawer for securing the portable phone within the slot; and

a release mechanism connected to said drawer for releasing the latch arm, said release mechanism comprising an exposed release lever pivotally connected to the drawer and a translator operatively connected between said release lever and said adjustable latch arm for pivoting the latch arm.

2. The vehicle console of claim 1, wherein said translator is pivotally connected to the drawer.

3. The vehicle console of claim 2, wherein one of said release lever and translator comprises a protruding distal end and the other of said release lever and translator comprises a receiver opening for capturing said distal end for translating pivotal movement therebetween.

4. A vehicle console comprising:

a console body having an opening formed therein;

a drawer movably positioned within said opening for generally vertical linear movement between a closed position within the console body and an open position extended in said generally vertical direction from the console body, said drawer having a slot formed therein configured for receiving a portable phone;

and an adjustable latch arm pivotally connected to the drawer for securing the portable phone within the slot.

5. The vehicle console of claim 4, further comprising a release mechanism connected to said drawer for releasing the latch arm, said release mechanism comprising an exposed release lever pivotally connected to the drawer and a translator operatively connected between said release lever and said adjustable latch arm for pivoting the latch arm.

6. The vehicle console of claim 4, further comprising a power outlet positioned within said console body and connected to a power cord.

7. The vehicle console of claim 4, wherein said adjustable latch arm is sufficiently frictionally engaged with the drawer for securing the portable phone within the slot.

8. The vehicle console of claim 5, wherein said translator is pivotally connected to the drawer.

9. The vehicle console of claim 8, wherein one of said release lever and translator comprises a protruding distal end and the other of said release lever and translator comprises a receiver opening for capturing said distal end for translating pivotal movement therebetween.

10. The vehicle console of claim 5, wherein said drawer includes a second latch arm pivotally engaged with said translator, whereby said second latch arm is movable by means of said release mechanism.

11. The vehicle console of claim 10, wherein said drawer forms a second slot therein adjacent said second latch arm, wherein said second latch arm is operative to secure an object within the second slot.

12. A vehicle console comprising:

a console body having an opening formed therein;

a drawer movably positioned within said opening for movement between a closed position within the console body and an open position extended from the console body, said drawer having a slot formed therein configured for receiving a portable phone;

a power cord connected to said drawer for providing power to the portable phone, said power cord being hidden from view within the console body;

a power outlet positioned within said console body and connected to the power cord;

an adjustable latch arm pivotally connected to the drawer for securing the portable phone within the slot; and

a release mechanism connected to said drawer for releasing the latch arm, said release mechanism comprising an exposed release lever pivotally connected to the drawer and a translator operatively connected between said release lever and said adjustable latch arm for pivoting the latch arm.